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Cal’s Fields to redshirt season

Daily Planet Wire Services
Thursday October 19, 2000

Cal head coach Tom Holmoe announced Wednesday that Marcus Fields would not play the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury and has elected to apply for medical redshirt status and return for the 2001 campaign.  

Fields was Cal’s starting H-Back at the beginning of the season and contributed three catches for 24 yards plus one run for four yards in the Utah opener, before suffering a shoulder fracture in that game. He has been undergoing rehabilitative work during the past several weeks, but the shoulder is not recovered enough for him to return in full health to date. Holmoe said earlier this week that if Fields could not play against Washington this weekend, the running back would redshirt the season. 

Fields said he was both disappointed in not being able to play this year and excited about the opportunities next fall. “It just doesn’t make a lot of sense to try and rush back if the shoulder isn’t quite ready,” said Fields. “However, I’m really looking forward to being a part of this offense next year. I think we’re beginning to show what we can do on offense and we’re only going to get better next year. I’m excited to be able to return and be a part of that.”  

Fields, who started at tailback in 1997 and ‘98, said he will probably postpone a potential graduation this coming spring or summer until the fall semester. He is majoring in American Studies with an emphasis on Education.  

Holmoe indicated he was pleased to have Fields back in the fold for next year. “It’s hard for me to look that far ahead, because we’re right in the middle of our season, but his skills and leadership will be a big factor for our team next season,” he said. “Marcus wanted to finish up his Cal career the right way and this will give him that opportunity.”